Egypt's new president courting turmoil with sweeping dictatorial edicts

CAIRO (AP)

Prominent Egyptian democracy advocate Mohammed ElBaradei warned Saturday of increasing turmoil that could potentially lead to the military stepping in unless the Islamist president rescinds his new, near absolute powers, as the country's long fragmented opposition sought to unite and rally new protests.

Egypt's liberal and secular forces - long divided, weakened and uncertain amid the rise of Islamist parties to power - are seeking to rally themselves in response to the decrees issued this week by President Mohammed Morsi.

The president granted himself sweeping powers to "protect the revolution" and made himself immune to judicial oversight.